Jeremy Corbyn ballot challenge rejected by the High Court - here's what you need to know

Jeremy Corbyn has denounced a legal bid to block him from standing in the Labour leadership election as "a waste of time and resources" after it was rejected by a High Court judge.

But what exactly does the rejection mean? Here are all the answers.

Whose idea was the legal bid anyway?

Corbyn's challenger Owen Smith - the contest between them will go ahead as planned (Lauren Hurley/PA)

It was Labour donor Michael Foster who failed in his attempt to overturn the Labour Party's decision to guarantee Corbyn a place on the ballot paper for the election.

He claimed the Labour Party's rules were "misapplied" when its national executive committee (NEC) voted by a majority of 18 to 14 that Corbyn should have an automatic place without needing to obtain the backing of 20% of Labour MPs and MEPs - 51 nominations.

What happens now?

The ruling allows the contest between Corbyn and challenger Owen Smith to continue as planned. The result is due on September 24 following a postal ballot of members, affiliates and registered supporters.

What does Corbyn have to say about it?

Corbyn wasn't at the High Court for the ruling (Neil Jones/PA)

The Labour leader wasn't at London's High Court on Thursday when Justice Foskett dismissed Foster's claim.

But he said in a statement: "I welcome the decision by the High Court to respect the democracy of the Labour Party.

"This has been a waste of time and resources when our party should be focused on holding the Government to account.

Corbyn supporters in London (Harriet Line/PA)

"There should have been no question of the right of half a million Labour Party members to choose their own leader being overturned. If anything, the aim should be to expand the number of voters in this election.

"I hope all candidates and supporters will reject any attempt to prolong this process, and that we can now proceed with the election in a comradely and respectful manner."

Erm, how did this all start again?

After losing a vote of no confidence among his own MPs by 172-40, there were real doubts over whether Corbyn - the clear favourite to be re-elected in September, a year after winning the leadership by a landslide - would be able to stand.